
MABL Statement & Press Conversations
April 7, 2022, marked an important historical moment with the confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the United States Supreme Court. The soon to be Associate Supreme Court Justice is the epitome of the American dream, showing that we (especially Black women and girls) deserve a seat at the table, and we too are America.
Click here to view MABL's statement.
Click here to view MABL Vice President's interview on 5ABC Eyewitness News

Laura Coates Event
Join Brandi Powell, Weekday morning 5 Eyewitness News (KSTP) anchor, as she has a fireside chat style interview with former federal prosecutor, CNN senior legal analyst, and SiriusXM host, Laura Coates, to discuss her new book.
Click here to view the Video.

MABL Statement
We are saddened and mourn the killing of Amir Locke. Amir was a brother, son, friend, and community member whose light was extinguished by multiple gunshot wounds, caused by the Minneapolis Police Department’s decision to execute a no-knock search warrant. His manner of death is homicide.
No more no-knock warrants. Amir Locke and other Minnesotans deserve the right to open their doors.
Click here to view MABL's statement.

MABL 2021 Gala
MABL Foundation hosted its 2021 Scholarship Gala on December 16, 2021, featuring a fireside chat hosted by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and the incomparable Monique Worrell, State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial
District for the State of Florida. The theme was “The time is always right to do what is right,” capturing the ongoing challenges and opportunities to partner with the community and legal profession to do better and be better.

MABL Statement
Last year on May 25, 2020, George Floyd was brutally murdered in front of our eyes. See MABL's statement reflecting on the tragedy, our victory, and the struggle for equality in our legal system.
Click here to view MABL's statement.

MABL President talks with PBS News Hour
MABL President Frank Aba-Onu joined Judy Woodruff, anchor of the PBS News Hour, to discuss the importance of Minneapolis City Chief of Police Medaria Arradondo's testimony, trauma, and issues regarding social justice in light of the Derek Chauvin murder trial.

MABL's Silent Protest
On June 8, 2020, as the judicial system continued the constitutionally required due process of determining the guilt of one of the four officers involved in the murder of George Floyd, MABL and its supporters stood firmly in solidarity with Mr. Floyd, his family, and all those fighting in the quest for justice.
Join MABL in the fight for justice and racial equality.

Judicial Endorsement Process
MABL proudly endorses qualified judicial candidates for appointment.
Qualified judicial candidates may formally apply for MABL endorsement using the process outlined by the Judicial Endorsement Committee. All endorsement requests must be completed by submitting a MABL Judicial Endorsement Application.
Board of Directors
President:
Dana Mitchell
Immediate Past President:
Uzodima Frank Aba-Onu
Vice President:
Abou Amara, Jr.
Secretary:
Jules Porter
Treasurer:
Amanda Matchett
At-Large Directors:
Sara Jane Baldwin
Kristien Butler
Amanda Harrington
Kevin Lindsey
Toni Ojoyeyi
Featured Members

Toddrick Barnette
Membership level: Attorney Public Sector
Organization: 4th Judicial District Court
E-Mail:toddrick.barnette@courts.state.mn.us
Judge Toddrick S. Barnette was elected chief judge of Hennepin County District Court in May 2020. His term began on July 1, 2020. He is the first chief judge of color in Minnesota at the State Court Trial Level.

Kassius Benson
Membership level: Attorney Public Sector
Organization: Hennepin County Public Defender
E-Mail: kassius.benson@hennepin.us
In December 2020, the State Board chose Kassius Benson to lead the Hennepin County Public Defender's office, making him the second African American to serve as the Chief Public Defender.
Upcoming Events
MABL Annual 2022 Meeting
Jun 23, 2022 5:00PM—7:00PM
Stinson LLP 50 South Sixth Street Minneapolis, MN 55402
SUSTAINABLE WELLNESS: A Trauma-Informed Look at Cultivating Calm Beyond the Pandemic Woes
Jun 20, 2022 4:00PM—6:00PM
Virtual via Zoom
Minority Judges Reception 2022
Jun 16, 2022 5:00PM—7:00PM
Diana E. Murphy U.S. Courthouse Plaza 300 S. Fourth St. Minneapolis, MN 55415
Mission Statement
The mission of the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers is to:
Promote and support the professional development of Black lawyers, judges, and law students in Minnesota; Address the legal issues affecting the Black community in Minnesota; and advance education, excellence, and racial equity in the pursuit of justice.